By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer
Downtown Claresholm may still have the sights and sounds of Halloween this year, while still abiding by the COVID-19 pandemic health guidelines.
At its Sept. 14 meeting, Claresholm town council heard a proposal by Darla Slovak by video conference.
She and Tracy Elke, of Your Dollar Store With More, wanted permission to decorate downtown Ringrose Park with Halloween decor.
There could possibly by a safe haunted house as well. It could be located in the downtown parking lot in the same area the farmer’s market uses. Tents would be set up and semi-open for people to walk through, or in downtown Amundsen Park among the trees there.
Slovak also proposed accepting donations for candy at Chinook Financial.
There would be pre-registration for candy bags. If the target number is known, the bags can be packaged 10 to 14 days before Halloween.
Claresholm and District Family and Community Support Services has offered to store the candy bags and help with the event.
Slovak proposed using Amundsen Park as the starting point, where families or “bubbles” would do a walk like is done for the annual Zombie Walk, where participants parade on a route around downtown. That way children could show off their costumes. They would also be socially distanced in their groups.
Stations would be set up to hand out candy bags, and the park would be decorated.
Slovak said she had also been in contact with the Claresholm Arts Society about doing a double-header, drive-in movie night.
The first movie would be family friendly from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by a scarier teen to adult Halloween movie. Teens who come dressed and have masks will also receive a candy bag.
“The community seems quite excited to be doing this,” Slovak said.
She stressed the details are still being worked out, but she wanted to run it by the town council in advance.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said Coun. Gaven Moore. “I’m excited to see what they come up with.”
Slovak asked if anyone had any reservations about the idea.
Mayor Doug MacPherson said he did not as long as there are no big public gatherings.
“It’s a great way to generate community support,” added Coun. Lise Schulze.
MacPherson suggested publicizing the event now, and that the town is supporting it, which he said will help get good participation.
Coun. Brad Schlossberger said he would like council to wait two weeks. That way everyone could think about it.
Coun. Kieth Carlson agreed to hold off a decision until the Sept. 28 meeting, noting there are challenges to consider regarding safety and sanitizing.
MacPherson added the organizers could also provide more information.
“I think it’s a great idea, and I’d like to pursue it,” he said.